Produced on behalf of the Burlington Route, Rio Grande, and Western Pacific Railroads, "The California Zephyr / Vista Dome Adventure"  highlights the luxury passenger train of that name that ran between Chicago and San Francisco.  The California Zephyr (the CZ, or "Silver Lady") was operated by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy (CB&Q), Denver & Rio Grande Western (D&RGW) and Western Pacific railroads, all which dubbed it "the most talked about train in America" on March 19, 1949, with the first departure the following day. It was scheduled to pass through the most spectacular scenery on its route in the daylight. The original train ceased operation in 1970, though the D&RGW continued to operate its own passenger service, the Rio Grande Zephyr, between Salt Lake City and Denver using the original equipment until 1983. Since 1983 the California Zephyr name has been applied to the Amtrak service, which operates daily and is a hybrid of the route of the original Zephyr and its former rival, the City of San Francisco.

00:00 The "Vista Dome" concept, offering panoramic views, is introduced, developed from sketches and prototypes, and adopted by railroads like Burlington, Rio Grande, and Western Pacific. 0:38 The General Motors "Train of Tomorrow" popularized the idea, leading to the 1949 Vista Dome California Zephyr between Chicago and San Francisco. 1:02 The film highlights the train's journey from Chicago, emphasizing its modern design. 1:49 Departure from Chicago, route through industrial areas towards open countryside. 2:38 Passengers explore Vista Dome cars, enjoying views and comfortable seating. 3:44 Train amenities: buffet lounge, smooth ride due to advanced engineering. 5:05 California Zephyr crosses Mississippi River, evoking history, brief stop at Burlington, Iowa. 6:03 Evening travel, Vista Dome appeal at night, luxurious sleeping car accommodations. 7:28 Conversion of sleeping compartments, comfort for all passengers. 8:21 Train enters Colorado, views of Rockies, washing station before Denver. 8:57 Denver, "Mountain State" capital, views of Rockies. 9:34 Train ascends Rockies, passing through tunnels, scenic landscape. 10:41 Continental Divide, Moffat Tunnel, construction details. 11:44 Train descends into Middle Park, following Colorado River through canyons. 13:32 Vista Dome's origin in Glenwood Canyon, Zephyr meets sister train. 14:11 Advantages of train travel, Glenwood Springs and hot springs. 15:12 Train leaves Glenwood Springs, orchard lands, Ruby Canyon, Utah desert. 16:07 Dining car, modern design, excellent service. 17:00 Preparation of mountain trout meal. 17:41 Train approaches Salt Lake City, city's founding. 18:21 Train heads west, Sierra Nevada, Beckwourth Pass, California, Feather River. 19:04 Feather River Canyon, scenic beauty, Williams Loop engineering. 20:59 History and beauty of Feather River, changing landscape. 22:30 Lounge observation car, relaxation and socializing. 23:08 Arrival in San Francisco, ferry trip, city landmarks. 24:45 San Francisco's cable cars, Knob Hill. 25:30 Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz Island. 27:15 Golden Gate Bridge, Cliff House, Golden Gate Park. 28:04 Summary of journey, Great Lakes to Pacific Ocean on Vista Dome California Zephyr.

This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com

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